Conversations with Families of Children with Disabilities

Victoria I. Puig is Associate Professor in the Department of Teaching and Learning and the Ben Samuels Children’s Center Faculty Liaison at Montclair State University, USA. Susan L. Recchia is Professor Emeritus of Early Childhood and Special Education and former Faculty Director of the Rita Gold Early Childhood Center at Teachers College, Columbia University, USA.

1. Introduction 2. A Mother and Grandmother Come Together as Caregivers 3. A Mother Learns to Advocate for a Preschooler with Complex Needs 4. A Family Reflects on the Challenges and Achievements in their Daily Lives 5. A Mother Reclaims her Strength and Confidence Negotiating the Complexities of Schooling for Her Child 6. Parents Collaborate to Support their Sons’ Health and Educational Achievement 7. A Family Reflects on their Achievements and Dreams 8. An Unexpected Reciprocity: Guest Speakers Learn by Sharing their Stories 9. Summary and Concluding Thoughts